Caden raised an eyebrow, the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his lips. “Bold offer for someone on the brink of death.” Obviously, she knew something but not the whole story he guessed, if not, she would not be confidently walking into what he deemed as a lion’s den.
“I’m not asking,” she shot back, her voice steady despite the adrenaline surging through her. “I’m bargaining. You protect me, or we both lose.”
Before he could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the silence. Wren’s heart leapt into her throat.
“They’re here,” she whispered.
Caden’s gaze flicked toward the forest, then back to her. “You’ve just made yourself my problem, rogue,” he muttered. “Stay close.”
He turned and motioned for her to follow as he led her toward the deeper parts of the forest. The hunters were near now, their voices cutting through the night air.
The sound of the hunters’ shouts grew louder, closer. Wren’s heart heaved as she realized they were heading straight for Blackclaw’s territory.
Caden stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing. “Stay here,” he ordered, his voice low and dangerous.
“What are you trying……”
Before she could finish her statement, he was gone, blending into the darkness like a shadow.
Wren leaned against a tree, doing her best to hear. The hunters’ voices were clear now, filled with cruel anticipation.
Loud screams suddenly filled the air, followed by the sound of intense fight. Wren’s stomach twisted. She could not see what was happening, but the snarls and cries told her it was a serious battle.
Then, there was silence.
Her pulse quickened in her ears as she waited, every second stretching into an eternity. Had Caden won? Or had the hunters taken him down?
The leaves ahead rustled, and Wren felt her muscle tensed. She crouched low and was ready to run or fight, when a familiar figure emerged from the wood.
Caden. His clothing was looking soaked with blood, his face splattered with blood, but his eyes burned with cold fury.
“It is done” he said, his voice barely more than a growl. “But this bargain of ours? It has just begun”
He turned and began walking back toward his pack’s stronghold without waiting for her. Wren hesitated, her mind a whirlwind of doubt and fear. She’d survived tonight, but the real danger was only beginning.
As she followed him into the heart of Blackclaw territory, a chilling thought struck her: What kind of bargain had she truly made.
Wren followed without hesitation, her mind racing. She had won this round, but she knew better than to trust anyone especially an alpha. She knew if she played her cards well, winning over him is going to be a walk in the park for her.
As they disappeared into the trees, Caden glanced over his shoulder. “Don’t think this deal makes you safe. You’re walking into the lion’s den, Wren.”
She smirked despite the fear clawing at her chest. “Better than walking into a grave.”
Wren staggered slightly as she walked through the gates of Blackclaw territory, the towering gates of the pack’s stronghold looming before her. The cold iron creaked open, and a wave of tension hit her like a physical force. Wolves patrolled the perimeter, their eyes sharp and calculating. Wren could feel their eyes on her, sizing her up, Some paused to glare at her, their growls barely concealed. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She was determined and would see this through, even though the tension was evident, almost visible but Wren kept her head high. She wouldn’t show weakness, not here.
She was now well and truly trapped, she resigned to faith and decided to make the most of it.
